Abstract:
Northeastern scientist Vladimir Torchilin will receive a Research Achievement Award at the 2007 Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress (PSWC) for his contributions to pharmaceutical science, which include achievements in nanomedicine and drug targeting.

Northeastern Scientist Receives Prestigious PSWC Award

BOSTON, MA | Posted on February 7th, 2007

Long before becoming an award-winning scientist, Northeastern University professor Vladimir Torchilin exhibited the potential to do great things as a teenager in Russia. At only 16 years of age, he gained early admission to Moscow State University, where he advanced quickly, earning his undergraduate degree, masterís degree, and Ph.D. in 10 years.

Torchilin progressed in just three years from junior scientist at Moscow State to senior scientist at the former Soviet Unionís Academy of Medical Science. During this period, he also became one of the youngest recipients ever of the prestigious Lenin Prize in Science and Technology.

Shortly before the break-up of the Soviet Union, Torchilin left Russia in 1990 for the United States, where he held various academic and research positions, including a successful joint appointment with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. He now serves as chair of Northeasternís Pharmaceutical Sciences Department and director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine.

Torchilin will add to this impressive roster of accomplishments this April in Amsterdam, where he will accept the prestigious Research Achievement Award at the 2007 Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress (PSWC), the worldís largest assembly of pharmaceutical scientists and professionals. During the eventís opening ceremony, he will be honored by thousands of peers for a lifetime of significant contributions to the global advancement of pharmaceutical science.

Torchilinís most recent work involves treating cancer with tiny capsules filled with chemotherapy, which are delivered into a tumorís cells through its blood vessels, where they release drugs without damaging other parts of the body. He is internationally recognized for research in drug targeting, delivery systems, and nanomedicine, having secured more than 45 patents and published more than 300 papers, reviews, and book chapters, along with eight books.

"It is a true honor to be recognized by the Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress," said Professor Torchilin. "At the same time, there is much work to be done. As life expectancies increase, important pharmaceutical advances are necessary for improving quality of life. My goal is to develop more perfect methods of treatment that fight illness with precision, so people can live longer lives in comfort and good health."

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About Northeastern UniversityFounded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. The universityís distinctive cooperative education program, where students alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. For more information, please visit http://www.northeastern.edu .